Bears Edge Commanders 25-24 on MNF After Late Fumble

When Chicago Bears rallied from an eight‑point fourth‑quarter hole to beat the Washington Commanders 25‑24 on Monday Night Football, the stadium in Landover erupted in a roar that felt more like a redemption anthem than a typical night‑cap.

The showdown unfolded on Monday Night FootballNorthwest Stadium in Landover, Maryland, with kickoff at 8:20 p.m. Eastern. By the time the clock ticked down to 2:17 left, the Bears had clawed back to within a single point, thanks to a fumble by Jayden Daniels that set up the decisive field‑goal.

Game Overview

The first quarter was a defensive standoff; the Bears managed a solitary safety‑type score, putting six points on the board while the Commanders were shut out. Washington answered in the second period with a textbook drive that yielded a touchdown, nudging the score to 7‑6. The third quarter saw the Commanders add a ten‑point surge, taking a 17‑13 lead into the final stanza.

Chicago’s offense, paced by veteran quarterback Justin Fields, turned the tide in the fourth. After a quick strike that put the Bears ahead 20‑17, Washington responded with a field‑goal, re‑establishing a three‑point margin. The climax arrived when Daniels, trying to protect the ball on a third‑and‑short, slipped, the ball popped loose, and the Bears recovered deep in Commanders territory.

Key Plays and Turnovers

The fumble was the pivot point. As the ball slipped, Brad Wagner, Chicago’s leading tackler, pounced, securing possession at Washington’s 32‑yard line. Within 45 seconds, kicker Jimmy Kelleher nailed a 48‑yard field‑goal, sealing the 25‑24 victory.

Earlier, the Bears defense forced a crucial interception by safety Derwin James, who raced 33 yards back toward midfield, halting a Washington drive that could have stretched the lead to double digits.

• Fumble recovered at Washington 32 (2:17 left).
• Kelleher’s 48‑yard field‑goal (1:58 left).
• James’ 33‑yard interception return (3rd quarter).

Statistical Breakdown

Stat sheets painted a picture of a close contest disguised as a Bears upset. Chicago amassed 381 total yards (211 passing, 108 rushing) while Washington recorded 329 yards (252 passing, 61 rushing). Turnover margin told the story: zero for Chicago, three costly mistakes for Washington, including the game‑ending fumble.

First‑down counts were nearly identical—19 for the Bears and 22 for the Commanders—yet penalty yards tipped the balance in Chicago’s favor (84 yards vs. 40). Third‑down efficiency was modest on both sides (30% for Chicago, 37.5% for Washington), and each team converted the sole red‑zone opportunity they earned.

Time of possession leaned slightly toward Washington (31:34) but didn’t translate into points, underscoring Chicago’s ability to maximize short‑field chances.

Reactions from Players and Coaches

After the final whistle, head coach Matt Eberflus praised his unit’s resilience: “We never gave up, and those guys showed why you fight for every inch.” He added that Daniels’ turnover was “a painful mistake, but it’s part of the game.”

Daniels, visibly shaken, apologized in the post‑game interview: “I dropped the ball. I own that, and I’ll learn from it.” He also commended the Bears’ defence for staying aggressive.

On the offensive side, Fields reflected, “We stuck to our game plan, kept moving the ball, and trusted each other. That field‑goal felt like a gift after a hard‑fought night.”

Implications for the Season

With the win, the Bears improve to 3‑2 overall (2‑1 on the road) and sit a game behind the NFC North leader, the Green Bay Packers. The victory also gives Chicago a psychological edge after a previous loss to Washington that hinged on a Hail‑Mary pass in 2023.

Washington falls to 3‑3, slipping to second place in the NFC East behind the Philadelphia Eagles. The loss highlights their turnover troubles; three giveaways in six minutes of play have directly cost them a potential win.

Analysts at ESPN note that the Bears’ ability to win close games could be a bellwether for a playoff push, while the Commanders must tighten ball security if they hope to stay in contention.

Historical Context

This matchup revives a rivalry that dates back to the early 2000s, but the most memorable chapter arrived in 2023 when Washington’s Hail‑Mary pass sealed a 31‑28 win in Chicago. The 2025 comeback feels like poetic justice for a city that has endured several losing seasons.

Monday Night Football, a marquee stage since the 1970s, often produces unforgettable moments. The Bears‑Commanders game joins the pantheon of late‑night dramas, alongside the 2018 “Minneapolis Miracle” and the 2020 “Lambeau Leap” that shifted momentum for rival teams.

Key Facts

• Final Score: Bears 25, Commanders 24
• Date & Venue: Oct 13, 2025 – Northwest Stadium, Landover, MD
• Winning Play: 48‑yard field‑goal by Jimmy Kelleher (1:58 left)
• Turnover Differential: Bears 0, Commanders 3 (including Daniels’ fumble)
• Impact: Bears improve to 3‑2; Commanders drop to 3‑3